KATTAPPANA:
Aster Medcity, Kochi, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Kattappana Heritage and KCYM South Region, organized a comprehensive CPR and First Aid training program. The initiative, known as the “BeFirst” campaign, focuses on equipping individuals with essential life-saving skills and knowledge. On arranging a camp where a 17-year-old girl from Thannayar succumbed to death while under treatment following the cardiac arrest she suffered two months ago, Aster Medcity is aiming to empower a community on basic life support and taking a proactive step towards preventing similar incidents in the future.
The young collapsed due to heart failure while attending Sunday mass with her mother at St. Thomas Forona Church. She was shifted from a private hospital in Kattapana and was being treated at a private hospital in Kochi. Later she died at the hospital. By arranging the “BeFirst” campaign which is a commendable effort to empower the community with vital CPR and First Aid skills, Aster Medcity is ultimately contributing to a safer and more prepared society.
Under the BeFirst campaign, Aster Hospitals have partnered with local institutions to provide expert training on various aspects of medical emergencies. Specialized doctors from Aster Hospitals conducted workshops at the Erattayar St. Thomas High School Auditorium, covering topics such as first aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Dr. Johnson K Varghese, Lead Consultant Emergency Medicine, Aster Medcity led the class. Participants gained invaluable insights into handling medical emergencies with confidence and competence.
Launched on August 15th, 2022, on Independence Day, the BeFirst campaign has successfully reached diverse sections of society, ensuring broad participation and engagement in the life-saving mission. Beneficiaries of the program spanned across a wide spectrum, including college students, corporate professionals, NGOs, Kudumbasree organizations, NCC cadets, police personnel, and traffic police.
Viji Joseph, President of Rotary Club of Kattappana Heritage, Jisha Shaji, President of Erattayar Grama Panchayath, Rev. Fr. Jose Kariveli, Vicar of St. Thomas Church, Jose Mathew, Rotary Assistant Governor, Reji Ilippullikkatt, Panchayath Member, Jinsin Varkey, Former Panchayat President, and Rosh Mohan, Senior Manager, Business Development, Aster Medcity were among the esteemed speakers who addressed the event.
